HB 1157 Summary

• Authorizes the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to maintain, operate, regulate, and protect airports and air navigation facilities by adding this power to Section 201B-3 of Hawaii Revised Statutes.

• Requires the Department of Transportation to transfer the lease of Kawaihapai Airfield (also known as Dillingham Airfield) to the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism.

• Recognizes Kawaihapai Airfield's economic significance to Oahu's north shore, noting it had 33,805 aircraft operations in 2019 and generates over $12 million in yearly revenues while employing over 130 people.

• Identifies the airfield as a premier recreational skydiving and gliding destination recognized internationally by sources including the Travel Channel and TripAdvisor.

• Takes effect upon approval by the governor.